For help with clarity, we have concentrated on the 16GB "4G" model, which is the entry-level model offered by telco providers.

Note that the new iPad supports 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands which means the "4G" LTE services currently available in Australia are not supported at LTE speeds on the iPad. However it does support dual channel HSPA+, for which Telstra is quoting download speeds from 1.1Mbps to 20Mbps, which obviously depend greatly on a number of conditions.

Telstra

Telstra opened its George St, Sydney and Bourke St, Melbourne stores at midnight this morning -- you can see a video of the first customer walking away with his new tablet here.

The new iPad is being offered by Telstra on a range of DC-HSPA+ data plans, with prices starting at $48 per month on a 24-month contract with 1GB data allowance.

Vodafone's entry-level iPad deal starts at $47 per month over 25 months, which includes 2GB of data. You can increase the data allowance to a maximum of 18GB, which carries a cost of $87 per month (over 24 months).

16GB iPad on Vodafone network (click to enlarge)

Comparison table: New iPad 24-month plans (16GB model)

Carrier

Price

Data

Telstra

$48

1GB

$58

4GB

$68

8GB

$98

15GB

Optus

$38

500MB

$41

1GB

$45

2GB

$49

4GB

$59

8GB

$79

16GB

Vodafone

$47

2GB

$57

6GB

$67

12GB

$77

14GB

$87

18GB

As you can see from the above table, the different data allowances makes it difficult to compare iPad plans across different telcos. Of course, you also have to factor customer service and network reliability into your buying decision.

Retail

If you prefer to buy your iPad outright, it currently retails through Dick Smith, Big W, JB Hi-Fi and Target, along with Apple stores.

The recommended retail price for the Wi-Fi versions are as follows:

16GB = $539

32GB = $649

64GB = $759

Here are the recommended retail prices for the Wi-Fi + 4G models:

16GB = $679

32GB = $789

64GB = $899

You can save some money by visiting third-party resellers. Big W is currently selling the 16GB WiFi model for $498 - a saving of more than $40. JB HiFi, meanwhile, is selling the same model for $537 (a far less impressive $2 off the RRP).

Comparison table: New iPad retailer prices

Retailer

Model

Price

Big W

16GB (WiFi)

$498

32GB (WiFi)

$628

64GB (WiFi)

$748

16GB (WiFI+3G)

$668

32GB (WiFi+3G)

$778

64GB (WiFi + 3G)

$858

JB HiFi

16GB (WiFi)

$537

32GB (WiFi)

$646

64GB (WiFi)

$758

16GB (WiFI+3G)

$675

32GB (WiFi+3G)

$784

64GB (WiFi + 3G)

$896

Dick Smith

16GB (WiFi)

$539

32GB (WiFi)

$649

64GB (WiFi)

$759

16GB (WiFI+3G)

$679

32GB (WiFi+3G

$789

64GB (WiFi + 3G)

$899

The original iPad 2 will continue to be sold alongside the new iPad. The price has been cut to $429 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model (a saving of $70).

Apple isn't the only website where you can purchase the new iPad online. One of the better deals we've seen is from Kogan Technologies, which is selling the 16GB Wi-Fi model for $479. However, it's worth noting that Kogan doesn't expect to dispatch the new iPad until 2nd April (around a fortnight from now).

A trawl of Google Shopping will turn up a bunch of similar deals on the new iPad 3, although caution and research is naturally advised before handing over your cash to an unfamilar site.

About the new iPad

The new iPad - which Apple is simplycalling "iPad" - comes with some significant hardware upgrades over its predecessor, including ﻿a 9.7in Retina display with 2048x1536 resolution, a dual-core A5X processor and 4G connectivity for access to LTE networks (although, as we explained earlier, it works with 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands which means Telstra's 4G network is not supported).

The new iPad's camera has also been upgraded to 5 megapixels (the iPad 2 camera is less than a megapixel), with 1080p video recording. Other camera improvements include auto-exposure, noise reduction and improved image stabilisation.

It also boasts a new microphone key, which can be used to access the inbuilt Siri tool. Popular apps such as iPhoto, iWork, iMovie and GarageBand have also received updates. Battery life, meanwhile, is rated at 10 hours; the same as the iPad 2.

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